happy hour

American  

noun

• happy hours
  plural

1. a cocktail hour or longer period at a bar, during which drinks are served at reduced prices or with free snacks.

   happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

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happy hour British  

noun

1. a time, usually in the early evening, when some pubs or bars sell drinks at reduced prices

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happy hour Idioms  

1. A period in the late afternoon or early evening when a bar or lounge features drinks at reduced prices. For example, The hotel bar has a happy hour from five to seven every day. [1960s]

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• happy hours
  plural

Etymology

Origin of happy hour

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

happy hour

I’m almost 82 and I have a couple of groups of friends who meet for happy hour four or five times a month.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

It’s been her gateway to new friendships, a walking group, brunches and even a regular happy hour.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026

I understand that the Reconstruction Amendments might not feel like the most compelling discussion topic for happy hour.

From Slate ● Jul. 20, 2026

"My friends and I love happy hour, just like many of you do," she told them.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Arm hoped the roach family would postpone their happy hour until later.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer